On the plateaus and the summit of Pierre-sur-Haute

A long and extensive snowshoe walk (on foot or on cross-country skis) across the vast plateaus and valleys to the west of Pierre-sur-Haute, followed by an ascent to the summit to take in the view.

Details

n°87295

Creation:
05 Nov 2014

Last update:
10 Nov 2023

Last review:
21 Jul 2025

Activity: Snowshoeing
Distance: 11.62 mi
Duration according to the author: 7 hrs
Difficulty: Difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 1,129 ft
Descent: - 1,129 ft
Highest point: 5,246 ft
Lowest point: 4,478 ft

Country: France
Areas: Massif central, Monts du Forez
City: Valcivières (63600)
Start/End: N 45.592518° / E 3.845852°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2732SB
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Description of the walk

Park at the Col des Supeyres.

(S/E) Walk behind the lodge and head north-west to quickly reach a small summit.

(1) Turn north onto the Plateau des Égaux to reach a track.

(2) Continue due north to the left, following the track as it heads north. You’ll soon reach a junction of tracks.

(3) Keep straight ahead, then turn right and you’ll immediately come to the^GR®3junction. Take the left-hand path to cross the long Pégrol Plateau and reach a junction.

(4) Continue straight ahead to reach the multi-directional junction at Pradoux.

(5) Keep going straight ahead on the^GR® to climb towards a first peak dotted with antennas. You’ll reach a track.

(6) Carry on straight ahead to reach the Burons de la Richarde.

(7). Then head north-east, skirting the military zone, and climb a steep slope to reach the Rocher de la Chaize.

(8) Carry on eastwards along the path, winding through the Grands Chars to reach the Shepherd's Huts de Colleigne.

(9) Pass them, then about a hundred metres further on, turn right at a cross. Head south down into the valley to reach the Ruisseau de Pierre Brune.

(10) Cross it and head back up to Pradoux.

(5) Follow the same path as on the way there to return to the Plateau de Pégrol crossroads.

(4) Turn right and follow a path that is almost straight and then heads south to return to the^GR® junction^.

(3) Follow the route you took on the way there until you reach the Piste des Egaux.

(2) Turn right onto the track running alongside the Bois du Grand Goulet. You’ll reach the Ruisseau du Grand Genêt.

(11) Cross it and head uphill to join the small road leading back to the Col des Supeyres (S/E) and its lodge.

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,478 ft - Car park at the - Col des Supeyres (1365m)
1 : mi 0.66 - alt. 4,646 ft - Summit of Le Rocher
2 : mi 1.32 - alt. 4,646 ft - Plateau des Egaux
3 : mi 1.78 - alt. 4,646 ft - Junction with the GR
4 : mi 3.14 - alt. 4,800 ft - Junction of the circular loops
5 : mi 3.66 - alt. 4,738 ft - Le Pradoux
6 : mi 4.71 - alt. 4,918 ft - Multi-way junction
7 : mi 5.01 - alt. 4,938 ft - Burons de la Richarde
8 : mi 5.63 - alt. 5,246 ft - Rocher de la Chaize - Pierre-sur-Haute
9 : mi 6.95 - alt. 4,672 ft - Jasseries de Colleigne
10 : mi 7.91 - alt. 4,705 ft - Pierre Brune stream
11 : mi 10.91 - alt. 4,554 ft - Grand Genêt stream
S/E : mi 11.62 - alt. 4,478 ft - Car park at the - Col des Supeyres (1365m)

Notes

It is strongly recommended that you do not undertake this hike in foggy conditions unless you are equipped with a good GPS. There is a risk of getting lost in winter on these vast, cold and snow-covered plateaus. When visibility is good, you can see the summit’s antennas from a great distance.

Worth a visit

The Gîte des Gentianes, where you can stay overnight (sleeps 16) and get a drink.
Beautiful cross-country ski trails have been laid out at the pass.
360° view from the summit.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5

Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5

Route interest
5 / 5

User 3480458

21 Jul 2025 at 23:12 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with a very gradual climb. Best done in the morning to ensure the best possible views of the distant mountain ranges.
The forest landscape and wetlands towards the end provide a lovely contrast to the high, barren hills.
Do pop into the Jasserie Garnier shepherd's hut – you’ll be delighted with your visit.

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User 21468142

09 Jun 2025 at 11:33 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The instructions weren’t very clear, or there weren’t enough photos to illustrate them. In fact, we didn’t follow the suggested circular route. Our route didn’t go back via Le Pradoux but led straight to the Col des Supeyres car park. The walk was probably over 20 km.
Thank you, however, for the route.

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Yves_Remord

08 Aug 2018 at 22:53 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Thank you for this lovely route through the Forez hills. The path is sometimes hard to follow between points 1 and 3, but the GPX track helps to sort that out. We did the route in summer and therefore on foot (so allow less time than stated on the route description).

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